ClickStartMe.com is the newest entry into the $2.8 billion crowdfunding industry and is sure to create a buzz in the comparatively sterile atmosphere of online crowdfunding. Unlike its competitors, ClickStartMe.com provides individuals and businesses an opportunity to easily raise funds online for almost any purpose, and also gives its users an online store in which to sell their products after funding. ClickStartMe.com also recognizes the mass appeal of shows such as The Voice, America's Next Top Model, and Shark Tank, and has added this variable into the mix for online crowdfunding by holding contests for its users with valuable prizes and trips to exciting locations. AClickStartMe.com credits its online Spokesmodel contest with driving more than 50,000 unique visitors to its site in less than a month, even before the site officially launched on December 19, 2012.

"We created a lot of buzz looking for the face of ClickStartMe," founder Tess Hottenroth said. "Who wouldn't want to be the spokesmodel of an up-and-coming site that will revolutionize a growing young industry "
Hottenroth notes that ClickStartMe's team studied the crowdfunding industry carefully and listened to the numerous complaints from users of other sites.

"One of the biggest complaints about our competitors is that they kick people to the curb after the funding is over," Hottenroth says. "ClickStartMe addresses that by providing an online store for the products and services funded on our site and by providing outside support in areas like public relations, marketing and distribution. No other crowdfunding site does that, or even comes close."
In response to the still-growing fascination of the American public with television talent and reality shows, ClickStartMe.com launched with two contests: a Spokesmodel contest to find a model to grace the front page of the site, and a "Superstar" contest to find a musical act that will provide music on the site. The contests culminate in a finale on stage at a popular Las Vegas nightclub, The Act, with the each winner taking home a $5000 cash prize in addition to a contract to represent the site.

"Who doesn't like to win something " asks Hottenroth. "We give our users chances to win contests and trips, just by joining the site for free. Why go to one of the other sites when you could win $5000 and a trip to Las Vegas, not to mention more exposure and potential for other gigs and contracts, on ClickStartMe "
Hottenroth notes that ClickStartMe will add new contests for most categories of crowdfunding on the site, including a soon-to-be announced contest for inventors and product developers, with the grand prize involving a national distribution deal and production of a television commercial.A
ClickStartMe also plans to cater to the business community, a market segment virtually ignored by other popular crowdfunding sites. Hottenroth notes that many sites discourage businesses from raising funds, preferring to rely on individuals or non-profit organizations to create fundraising profits. ClickStartMe not only welcomes businesses to raise funds for start-up expenses, expansion or special needs, but also highly encourages it.

"We love businesses and welcome them on ClickStartMe," Hottenroth says. "There is a misconception that a business can't use crowdfunding to get started or to grow. As long as they do not give away ownership and follow a few other simple rules, every business can use crowdfunding to its advantage, and raise funds in these trying economic times."
Hottenroth notes that ClickStartMe has an online blog where several tips and tutorials are available for business owners, or potential business owners, to see how crowdfunding can help them.A
ClickStartMe.com is a website owned and operated by Click Start LLC, a privately held Florida Limited Liability Company. Media inquiries or interview requests, e-mail media@clickstartme.com or call 813.410.4658. A
Website:AAAAAAAA www.clickstartme.comFacebook:AAAAA www.facebook.com/clickstartmeTwitter:AAAAAAAAA www.twitter.com/clickstartme
Media Contact: Brendan Collettmedia@ClickStartMe.comAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 813-410-4658
Direct link: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2012/12/19/clickstartme-com-launch-to-create-a-stir-in-the-online-crowdfunding-industry/
SOURCE: ClickStartMe
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